All kinds of holiday drinks are available at Havana Pizzeria. (Photo courtesy of The Havana Pizzeria)
San Diego is buzzing with holiday flavors, from rooftop French dinners to handcrafted chocolates and festive cocktails straight from Oz. This week, local chefs, restaurateurs, and food artisans are serving up seasonal menus, pop-ups, and take-home feasts designed to make your holidays delicious — whether you’re dining out, hosting family, or looking for a last-minute gift.
Dec. 12 – Feeding San Diego– Escondido
Feeding San Diego Produce Pantry in Escondido on Nov. 17, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Feeding San Diego)
Feeding San Diego volunteers and Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel will distribute holiday groceries to about 300 households in Escondido. Families will receive mashed potato mix, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and fresh produce at the pop-up across from Emmanuel Faith Community Church. Volunteers arrive at 8:30 a.m.; distribution begins at 10 a.m. Details
Dec. 12–28 – Barleymash- Gaslamp
The Elbow Bar at Barleymash. (Photo courtesy of Barleymash)
Barleymash serves Wicked Good Cocktails inspired by The Wizard of Oz: No Good Deed (Jameson, cacao, pistachio), Popu-lar Punch (Absolut, lemon, pink cotton candy), Tornado Warning (Codigo Blanco, ube, lime), and Ruby Slipper (Absolut, pomegranate, spiced syrup). Barleymash
December – Kensington – The Haven Pizzeria
Exotic drinks await at The Haven Pizzeria. (Photo courtesy of The Haven Pizzeria)
Enjoy several holiday cocktails available at Haven Pizzeria, such as “The Sleighin’ at The Haven” cocktail and other menu features, Eggnog Martini, Cranberry Whiskey Mule, Apple Cranberry Margarita, Mistletoe Martini, Christmas Royale, and Apple Cranberry Spritz. Seasonal pizzas and pastas are also available. The Haven Pizzeria.
Daffodil Café – La Jolla
Eat healthy at the Daffodil Café. (Photo courtesy of Daffodil Café)
Daffodil Café, tucked inside La Jolla Commons, brings fresh, seasonal daytime fare to the community. Led by Chef Sarah Palomares and created by restaurateur Lauren Passero‑Brookes, the café highlights organic, locally sourced ingredients in bright breakfast bowls, creative salads, sandwiches, and more, with seasonal specials and festive coffee drinks rounding out the menu, ideal for holiday brunches and casual gatherings. Daffodil Café
More healthy offerings at the Daffodil Café. (photo courtesy of Daffodil Café)
Christmas & Hanukkah Dining
Urban Plates offers all sorts of holiday meals. (Photo courtesy of Urban Plates)
Urban Plates is a fast-casual, chef-driven restaurant with locations throughout Southern California. It offers family-style catering and ready-to-eat options to make your holiday planning effortless. Pre-order by Dec. 21 for pick-up on Dec. 23 or 24.
Family-Style Takeaway:
Holiday Strip Loin Roast Family Meal (Serves 6–8 — $239)
Includes:
- Slow-Roasted Strip Loin Roast (free from added hormones and antibiotics)
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
- Bordelaise Sauce
- Creamy Horseradish
- Choice of Two Sides: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Rainbow Carrots & Golden Beets, Herb Roasted Marble Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, or Garlic Parmesan Roasted Mushrooms
- Sliced Artisan Bread
Holiday 3-Course Family Meal (To-Go Only, Serves 4)
Perfect for smaller gatherings or last-minute celebrations, this hot, ready-to-eat meal is available with your choice of Chicken ($89), Steak ($99), or Salmon ($99). Each entrée comes with:
- Starter Salad
- Two Family-Style Sides
- Four Cookies for Dessert
Everything is freshly cooked and packaged hot for immediate enjoyment, just unwrap and serve!
Desserts:
Whole desserts, including Apple Pie and Chocolate Vanilla Layer Cake, are available à la carte for pick-up on Dec. 24. Full dessert orders must be placed 24 hours in advance.
Place your orders at urbanplates.com/holidays to make this holiday season easier and more delicious.
Roman Wolves – Little Italy
Good times, drinks, and food await at Roman Wolves in Little Italy. (Photo courtesy of Roman Wolves)
Roman Wolves in Little Italy is celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a festive menu featuring Roman classics and holiday-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy the full à la carte menu or opt for a $60 pre-fixe Christmas menu, available both days.
The holiday offerings include antipasti such as Supplì, smoked mozzarella rice balls mixed in a tomato base, and Mozzarella in Carrozza, served over a pesto roasted heirloom tomato sauce. Entrées range from traditional Roman pastas like Spaghetti Carbonara and Pappardelle Ragu di Roma to seasonal dishes including Salmon Frascati, served over Cacio e Pepe risotto, and Pollo Romana, Mary’s chicken in caper butter lemon sauce. Guests can finish their meal with classic Italian desserts like house-made Cannoli or Tiramisu.
Roman Wolves is located in the heart of Little Italy at 1980 Kettner Blvd, Suite 10, San Diego. For reservations and additional details, visit romanwolves.com or book through OpenTable.
The Shores Restaurant – La Jolla
Feel like a holiday buffet? (Photo courtesy of the Shores Restaurant)
Spend a seaside Christmas at the Shores Restaurant with a holiday buffet featuring coastal-inspired favorites and classic seasonal fare. Guests can enjoy a relaxed SoCal ambiance while savoring dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all perfectly paired with hand-selected craft cocktails. Choose to dine indoors or on the oceanfront patio just feet from the sand, with both offering uninterrupted coastal views and an inviting atmosphere for families and friends to gather.
The Christmas Day Buffet will be served from 12 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 25, and is priced at $95 per person and $45 per child (12 & under). A la carte breakfast will also be available from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. For more details or to make a reservation, visit https://www.ljshoreshotel.com/upcoming-happenings/.
The Marine Room-La Jolla Shores
Sunset at the Marine Room in La Jolla Shores. (Photo courtesy of The Marine Room)
Celebrate the magic of the holidays at this iconic San Diego oceanfront destination. The Marine Room in La Jolla Shores welcomes guests with a luxurious four-course prix-fixe menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring some of the restaurant’s signature dishes through a thoughtfully crafted menu that celebrates seasonality and sustainability.
The dinner is priced at $165 per person and $65 per child (excluding tax and gratuity) and will be served from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 25. For more information and to make a reservation, visit https://www.marineroom.com/upcoming-happenings/.
Gelson’s Markets
Gelson’s has your holiday meal. (Photo courtesy of Gelson’s)
This holiday season, Gelson’s is making it easy to celebrate with complete Hanukkah and Christmas meals, plus a la carte sides, desserts, and a curated selection of wines, bubbles, and floral arrangements.
Hanukkah Meals include:
- CAB Beef Brisket Dinner (4 people) $95
- Organic Free-Range Chicken Dinner (4 people) $95
- BBQ Chicken Dinner (4 people) $90
- BBQ No Salt Chicken Dinner (4 people) $90
- Lemon Herb Chicken Dinner (4 people) $90
- All served with sides including Chicken Broth & Matzo Balls, Potato Latkes, Tzimmes, Chopped Beef Liver with Egg, and Noodle Kugel.
Christmas Meal options include:
- Roasted Turkey Dinner (2/8/12 people) Starting at $60
- Spiral Glazed Ham Dinner (2/8 people) Starting at $60
- Prime Rib Dinner – Certified Angus Beef (2/8 people) Starting at $95
- Brisket Dinner – Certified Angus Beef (2/8 people) Starting at $95
- Poached or Spicy Salmon (2 people) $90
- Meatloaf Dinner (4 people) $70
- Tamales – available in Beef Barbacoa, Green Chili and Cheese, and Chicken with Green Sauce, $40 per dozen
- Sides including Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing, Creamed Corn, Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Turkey Gravy, and more
- Desserts including Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Apple Pie, Spiral Churros, and more
To place an order, visit https://catering.gelsons.com/. Hanukkah meals will be available for pick up between Dec. 13-22, with the final day to order being December 20. Christmas meals will be available for pick up between Dec. 21 and Dec. 24, with Dec. 22 being the last day to order. Christmas pies are available for pickup Dec. 22-24 only. All holiday dinner orders will be refrigerated at the time of pick up and will require reheating.
North County Dining
Little Fawn, Oceanside
Christmas Eve & Day, California-Mediterranean menu by Chef Seth Tuma with dishes like duck leg confit and pistachio cheesecake. Little Fawn
24 Suns, Oceanside
Christmas Eve only, special tasting and family-style dinner featuring winter market ingredients.
Dec. 18–21 – Garibaldi, InterContinental San Diego
A meal at Garibaldi, InterContinental San Diego. (Photo courtesy of Garibaldi, InterContinental San Diego)
Rooftop French Dinner at Garibaldi, InterContinental San Diego, featuring four-course prix fixe by Chef Franck Tasic, including Tuna Crudo “Niçoise,” Bouillabaisse, Prime N.Y. Steak Frites, and Paris Brest dessert. $65 per person; optional wine pairing $35.
Graze Craze – Rancho Peñasquitos & La Jolla
Graze Craze, the popular charcuterie brand known for its beautifully arranged boards and gifting boxes, has opened two new San Diego County locations: Rancho Peñasquitos (13289‑6 Black Mountain Rd., San Diego) and La Jolla (5691 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla), both debuted Oct. 20.
The boards — loaded with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, and accompaniments — are ideal for holiday entertaining or gifting this season. Graze Craze
Need a last-minute holiday gift or are you catering a holiday event? (Photo courtesy of Graze Craze)
Dec. 13–14 – Christophe Rull Patisserie, San Marcos
Holiday pop-up with U.S. World Chocolate Master Christophe Rull and Michelin-trained Annaluna Karkar. Offerings include bonbons, chocolate tablets, candy bars, and festive holiday chocolate pieces. Visit Christophe Rull Patisserie
What is a holiday without chocolate from Christophe Rull Patisserie? (Photo courtesy of Annaluna Chocolate)
From holiday groceries to festive cocktails, family dinners, and world-class chocolate, San Diego is full of ways to celebrate the season in style.
Got any food news? Chef appointments, a new location? Menu? Drop me a line at DebbieS@timesofsandiego.com to possibly be featured in an upcoming Eat Beat column.
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